Nikola Jokic steals the spotlight with kisses and humor after eliminating the Clippers

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets advanced convincingly to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 120-101 in Game 7. The three-time MVP delivered a solid performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but it was a sideline moment that truly stole the spotlight. As the team celebrated on the bench, Jokic was caught on camera kissing teammate DeAndre Jordan on the cheek three times, a gesture that quickly went viral.

The clip sparked a wave of reactions on social media and became a talking point on Inside the NBA. As always, Charles Barkley didn't hold back, asking the Serbian star, "Is that the ugliest person you've ever kissed in your life?" Jokic, known for his calm demeanor and dry humor, smiled and replied, "No... actually... hmm... that's a good one." His relaxed and witty response turned an unusual moment into a lighthearted highlight.

Serbian culture

Jokic later explained the reason behind the gesture. "Three kisses? That's a Serbian thing. He wants to be Serbian. So I had to give him a little piece of it," he said with a laugh. It was a playful, culturally rooted display of affection that highlighted the comfort and camaraderie among teammates rather than causing any discomfort.

The chemistry between Jokic and Jordan extends beyond the court. Moments like this reflect the relaxed environment and strong bonds that define the Nuggets' locker room. That internal connection has played a key role in helping Denver overcome obstacles this season, and it will be just as important as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.

As the playoffs continue, Denver is relying not only on Jokic's elite performance but also on the team's shared identity-built on trust, unselfishness, and a healthy dose of humor. The Serbian star remains the emotional anchor of the Nuggets, and this viral moment only reinforces his status as the heart of the team.